Finance Committee Meeting, Open Warrant Meeting
Minutes – November 10, 2008
Sharon High School Library – 7:30 P.M.
Members Present: Maria Anderson, Donald Gilligan, Gordon Gladstone, Charles
Goodman, Jonathan Hitter, Josh Kiernan, Ira Miller, Laura Nelson,
Edward Philips (Hamilton)
Absent: Brian Fitzgerald, Joel Lessard
1. The Finance Committee had a short meeting before the Open Warrant Meeting. Ira Miller announced that Article 1, Brickstone, is being withdrawn to go to site plan phase. It will go to the Zoning Board of Appeals for Development Agreement information. We will discuss Articles 4 and 5, the remaining articles that the Finance Committee has not taken a position on. Some of the participants will be at the Selectmen’s meeting first to discuss 40R, and we will not see them until 9 p.m.
2. Mr. Edward McSweeney, a S. Walpole Street resident, spoke regarding Articles 4 and 5 and felt the abutters did not have a chance to discuss the changes and had questions regarding the Memorandum of Understanding.
3. There was some discussion on these articles and more information could be available when the expert came to the meeting.
4. The next item on the agenda was Arnie Cohen, Chair of the Planning Board, who reported on Articles 4 and 5. With a vote of 4-0, the Planning Board recommended approval of both articles at Town Meeting. There were some corrections that needed to be done on the articles regarding typos, off street parking and off street loading, and there would be a Memorandum of Understanding with an increase from 20% affordable housing to 25% affordable housing even if it is a 40R.
5. There was considerable discussion on these articles especially regarding the extra 42 units in Article 5. There would be incentives of close to $1 million if both articles are 40R, 168 units under Article 4 and 42 units under Article 5, which would have to be accepted by the state.
6. A MOTION was made by Jon Hitter and SECONDED by Don Gilligan to suspend the Finance Committee meeting to begin the Open Warrant meeting.
7. VOTED: 9-0-0.
8. Open Warrant Meeting for Special Town Meeting on Monday, November 17, began at 8:20 p.m.
9. Article 4 & 5. Adoption of Chapter 40R Overlay District for Sharon Commons Subzones A & B, Subzone C.
10. Arnie Cohen reported that the Planning Board had a public hearing on Articles 4 and 5 on October 29. They met last Wednesday. The vote was 4-0, one member not at meeting, to recommend approval of articles. Found some typos in drafting of article. Should be corrected. In spite of language, should be minimum of 20%, our understanding there will be a Memorandum of Understanding between town and developer with a minimum of 25% affordable housing.
11. There was much discussion on these articles.
12. Article 6. Roadway Layout for Johnson Drive.
13. Arnie Cohen reported that Attorney Macchi and client attended Finance, Selectmen, and Planning Board meetings. Revised articles. Doesn’t want to go forward at this Town Meeting. 7 and 8 will not go forward. Planning Board, 4-0 in favor on Article 6.
14. There was discussion on the article.
15. Article 13. Easement for Lakeview Street for sidewalk project.
16. The Planning Board voted 4-0 in favor of Article 13.
17. There was some discussion on this article.
18. Article 14. Sign By-Law Revision (re: whether Gen. By-Law or Zoning By-Law preferable, or leave in both).
19. Arnie Cohen stated that Town Counsel recommended doing it the way it was in the article. Planning Board vote was 4-0 in favor.
20. Ira Miller commented that the original town by-law seemed to be less restrictive. The General by-law would be simple majority, zoning by-law 2/3 vote.
21. There was much discussion on this article.
22. Article 1. Changes to Brickstone Development Agreement.
23. Ira Miller announced that Article 1 was to be withdrawn to go to the Zoning Board of Appeals for site plan approval.
24. A MOTION was made by Don Gilligan and SECONDED by Gordon Gladstone to recommend indefinite postponement of Article 1.
25. VOTED: 8-0-1. For: Anderson, Gilligan, Gladstone, Hitter, Kiernan, Miller, Nelson, Philips. Abstain: Goodman.
26. Article 2. Alcohol Rules and Regulations Revisions. Indefinite postponement, 6-3-0.
27. Article 3. Funding for Middle School Renovation Planning.
28. There was still no number for this article. May have just prior to Town Meeting.
29. Articles 4 and 5. Adoption of Chapter 40R Overlay District for Sharon Commons Subzones A & B, and Subzone C.
30. Still waiting for participants with information.
31. Article 6. Roadway Layout for Johnson Drive.
32. A MOTION was made by Don Gilligan and SECONDED by Gordon Gladstone to recommend approval of Article 6.
33. Some discussion held on this motion.
34. VOTED: 9-0-0. For: Anderson, Gilligan, Gladstone, Goodman, Hitter, Kiernan, Miller, Nelson, Philips.
35. Articles 7 & 8. Johnson Drive – Amend Zoning By-Law by adding at the end of Section 2110 a new overlay district entitled “100 High Plain Overlay District (100HPOD) and Johnson Drive – Amend Zoning By-Law by amending the map.
36. A MOTION was made by Gordon Gladstone and SECONDED by Josh Kiernan to recommend indefinite postponement of Articles 7 & 8.
37. VOTED: 9-0-0. For: Anderson, Gilligan, Gladstone, Goodman, Hitter, Kiernan, Miller, Nelson, Philips.
38. Article 9. Stabilization Fund from Avalon Bay $310K for sidewalk improvements. 6-0-0, approved.
39. Article 10. Stabilization Fund from Avalon Bay $400K for water line improvements. 6-0-0, approved.
40. Article 11. Capital Outlay items for Horizons for Youth. 8-0-1, approved.
41. Article 12. Appropriation for Charter Commission. $25,000 for consultants. 8-1-0, approved.
42. Article 13. Easement for Lakeview Street for sidewalk project. Six homeowners.
43. A MOTION was made by Gordon Gladstone and SECONDED by Don Gilligan to recommend approval of Article 13.
44. VOTED: 9-0-0. For: Anderson, Gilligan, Gladstone, Goodman, Hitter, Kiernan, Miller, Nelson, Philips.
45. Article 14. Sign By-Law Revision (re: whether Gen. By-Law or Zoning By-Law preferable, or leave in both). To accept the current by-law within, strike the zoning for the general by-law. Under zoning, 2/3 vote, grandfathered; general, majority vote. Planning Board wanted to go with recommendation of Town Counsel.
46. A MOTION was made by Gordon Gladstone and SECONDED by Laura Nelson to recommend removal of General By-Law and leave Zoning By-Law in place.
47. Paul Bouton, Town Moderator, stated that the Finance Committee was at odds with the article. Going to move out of order. It is not within the scope.
48. There was discussion on this motion. No vote taken.
49. A MOTION was made by Gordon Gladstone and SECONDED by Laura Nelson to recommend indefinite postponement of Article 14.
50. VOTED: 6-3-0. For: Anderson, Gladstone, Goodman, Kiernan, Miller, Nelson. Against: Gilligan, Hitter, Philips.
51. Article 15. Removal of Burial Fees. 9-0-0, Approved.
52. Article 16. Increase Demand Fees. 8-1-0, Approved.
53. Article 17. Technical Amendment to General By-Laws Article 17 – Regulation of Dogs. 5-0-1, Approved.
54. Article 18. Expand eligibility requirements for Sharon seniors to be able to take part in deferral of property taxes. 6-0-0, Approved.
55. Ira Miller announced a short recess until all the participants arrive that have information on Articles 4 and 5.
56. Laura Nelson left meeting at 9:35 p.m.
57. Meeting resumed at 9:40 p.m.
58. Articles 4 and 5. Adoption of Chapter 40R Overlay District for Sharon Commons Subzones A & B and Subzone C.
59. Bob Shelmerdine, Mark Bobrowski, Mike Intoccia were present. Ira Miller announced that the Finance Committee wanted to hear the financial report. The report will not be available until Friday.
60. There was considerable discussion regarding the financial report, what was going to be done under Article 4, 168 units, either 40B LIP or 40R, and Article 5, additional 42 units as LIP or 40R. Both items could be counted to get additional money for town plus lighting for ball field and sidewalks.
61. There was some discussion about the Housing Partnership. The Partnership wanted some units at 80%, 70% and 60%. There was to be more information at Thursday night’s meeting.
62. Bob Shelmerdine stated that regarding the Housing Partnership on affordable units for the 40B it was 19 at 80%, 3 at 70%, and 3 at 60%. $1,000 per unit to Housing Partnership from the first 25 townhouses and flats, $25,000 cash.
63. Ira Miller stated that on Thursday we should have a listing of amenities, economic information, and Memorandum of Understanding.
64. The next meeting will be on Thursday, November 13.
65. It was MOVED and SECONDED to adjourn.
66. VOTED: 8-0-0.
67. The meeting adjourned at 10:50 p.m.